This podcast will bring you the latest interviews from some of the leading figures within the venture capital landscape in Ireland and abroad. Our interviews focus on a diverse range of people from founders to investors. The goal is to find out about the highs and lows of each individual's journey to date and to give our audience a unique insight into the different elements of our ecosystem.
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October 9, 202633 min
The Irish VC ep40: Meet the New IVCA Chair, Richard Watson of Furthr VC
In this episode, Richard Watson, Managing Partner at Furthr VC and newly appointed Chair of the Irish Venture Capital Association (IVCA), joins us to talk about all things venture capital. He shares his aims for his 12 months leading an organisation that has supported Irish venture for over 40 years. He also talks about the early-career experiences that still shape how he makes investment decisions. Discover his view on where Irish VC is heading, from the rise of serial founders to the impact of AI on software investing. Topics featured throughout the episode: Richard’s five years on the IVCA council and his priorities as Chair The IVCA’s 40-year history and its role in the Irish ecosystem Lessons from pitching as a founder, and how they shape his approach as an investor The growing impact of repeat founders on Irish startups How AI is changing the outlook for software and SaaS companies Government-convened fund-of-funds and what they mean for Irish VC
September 3, 2026Episode 3943 min
The Irish VC ep39: Building a Rare Disease Pharma Startup in Europe - Oranda Therapeutics
In this episode, Ahmed Alderzi, CEO and co-founder of Oranda Therapeutics, shares insights into building a biotech startup focused on rare diseases, the unique approach of Oranda, and lessons learned from his 30+ years experience. Discover how they navigate the complexities of drug commercialisation and their ambitious plans for Europe and beyond. Topics featured throughout the epidode: Oranda's unique platform for late-stage medicines The significance of market exclusivity and generics Building a biotech startup in Ireland and Europe The importance of team and culture in startups Navigating regulatory and market access in pharma The impact of rare diseases and patient needs Funding and investor relations in biotech Operational strategies for a virtual team "Both industries are needed to serve patients" "Eighty percent of medicines in Europe are generics" "There are seven thousand named rare diseases"
July 3, 2026Episode 3737 min
The Irish VC ep38:Can AI Fix the Broken Media Market? A Vision for the Future of Advertising with BuyMedia's Fergal O'Connor
The Irish VC Podcast — Buymedia, media buying, and scaling from Ireland. In this conversation, Sarah Jane Larkin speaks with Fergal O’Connor, founder and CEO of Buymedia, about how he built the company from an early marketplace idea into an AI-driven media planning platform. The discussion covers start-up iteration, customer-led product development, funding in Ireland, and the changing media landscape across Ireland and the UK Key topics How Buymedia started and why the original marketplace concept changed Moving from inventory access to understanding where ideal customers consume media Building AI personas, media plans, marketplace buying, and performance feedback loops The impact of new media channels and the challenge of recency bias Ireland’s start-up ecosystem and the role of Enterprise Ireland, local enterprise offices, NDRC, and grants The gap between early-stage funding and large-scale growth capital Scaling into the UK and learning a different go-to-market approach AI, agentic media buying, and the future of advertising Buymedia began with the idea of giving buyers visibility into media inventory and pricing, but later pivoted to solving a deeper problem: helping brands understand where their customers actually consume media. The platform now supports the full workflow: building an ideal customer profile, creating a media plan, buying media, and measuring what works. Fergal described the company’s growth as a customer-driven journey, with products shaped by market feedback rather than built in isolation. He praised Ireland’s early-stage startup support but highlighted a funding gap once companies move beyond initial checks and need bigger growth capital. He believes the next major shift in media will be driven by AI, especially agentic systems that can automate media buying and selling. Customer discovery should happen before building the product Revenue generation early can make a startup more resilient Funding discipline matters as much as growth AI will increasingly shape how media is planned, bought, and measured
June 16, 2026Episode 3744 min
The Irish VC ep37: The Google Takeover - Founder Focus Live Panel on Startups, Scaling & AI
Live from Google HQ Dublin! Delighted to introduce our 3rd Annual Google Takeover Live panel discussion for the Irish VC Podcast with the headline panel of: Host: Neil Lock - Google Guests: Mark Kirwan of Positive Carbon , Joseph Smyth of Joulica , Sean Mullaney of Seapoint & Portia Healy O’ Connor of Linda ai. Discover how AI-native startups are transforming industries with innovative solutions. This episode reveals how founders are reducing food waste, enhancing customer journeys, and revolutionizing healthcare with AI. Learn the secrets to building trust, managing rapid AI integration, and turning ideas into enterprise-ready solutions. Perfect for founders, investors, and technologists eager to leverage AI for growth without compromising trust or quality. Tune in to explore AI as the engine of growth and gain insights to accelerate your startup's journey.
May 6, 2026Episode 3628 min
The Irish VC ep36: Unlocking Ireland’s Renewable Future - An Interview with Pat Smith of Local Power Ltd
Discover insights from Pat Smith, Managing Director of Local Power Limited, on Ireland’s renewable energy prospects, particularly in biomethane, solar PVs, and battery storage. This episode explores how farmers and rural communities can harness green energy, the importance of government support, and the role of innovative projects in shaping Ireland’s sustainable future.Main Topics Covered: Pat Smith’s background and journey into agriculture and energy The Irish farming community’s role and challenges in renewable energy adoption. Current tensions between farmers and government, and what’s driving unrest The potential of biomethane, solar PV, and battery storage for Ireland Government policies and the urgent need for clear support in renewable sectors Local Power’s projects and future plans, including Ireland’s first fully licensed biomethane facility Practical advice for startups and young entrepreneurs in renewable energy Local Power Limited BVP Website www.bvp.ie Timestamps:00:00 - Introduction to Pat Smith and his journey from farm background to renewable energy innovator 03:17 - The evolution from traditional farming into energy entrepreneurship with Local Power 06:16 - Current tensions between farmers and government, and what’s driving unrest 08:12 - The importance of diversification: energy solutions for farmers and rural communities 10:28 - What is biomethane and its significance for Ireland’s energy independence 12:37 - Challenges and policy gaps blocking biomethane industry growth 14:24 - The stalled Carna Ross biomethane project – opportunities and government support needed 15:52 - The philosophy behind Local Power’s mission to keep power within rural communities 17:08 - Advances in battery storage technology and its role in renewable energy management 19:00 - The growth of solar PV installations among farms and businesses in Ireland 20:33 - The impact of government grants and incentives on accelerating renewable adoption 21:36 - How businesses and farmers can get involved with Local Power and renewable projects 23:23 - Advice for startups and young entrepreneurs in renewable energy 26:44 - Key takeaways on resilience, pivoting, and smart work in building a successful business 28:23 - The bright future for Ireland’s renewable sector, despite current setbacks 28:58 - Insights on collaboration with BVP investor group and funding opportunities for biomethane 30:17 - Ireland’s first fully licensed biomethane plant – ambitions and stakeholder benefitsResources & Links:Connect with Pat Smith.
March 6, 2026Episode 3533 min
The Irish VC ep:35 The Inside Scoop with BVP Director Stephen Burdock
In this episode, Stephen Burdock, Director of BVP Investments, shares his extensive experience in banking, private equity, and investment strategies. He discusses what makes a compelling pitch, the importance of team versus idea, and insights into Ireland's emerging sectors like AI and health tech. Don't miss the upcoming Funder/ Founder event open to the public mentioned at the end of the episode! Chapters 00:00 Introduction to BVP and Stephen Burdock 06:03 Understanding BVP's Investment Offerings 12:07 Crafting the Ideal Pitch 17:46 Navigating Feedback and Future Opportunities 23:47 Emerging Sectors for First-Time Founders 29:48 Lessons from Missed Opportunities
January 30, 2026Episode 3442 min
The Irish VC ep34: State of Venture Capital in 2026
In this episode of the Irish VC podcast, host Sarah Jane Larkin discusses the current state of venture capital in 2026 with industry experts Elliott Griffin, Gillian Buckley, and Amy Neale. They explore the challenges and opportunities in the global and Irish VC landscape, the impact of AI on investment strategies, and provide valuable advice for founders navigating the fundraising environment. The conversation highlights the importance of access to capital, the evolution of the Irish VC market, and the need for a focus on commercialisation skills and disciplined financial management. Chapters 00:00 State of Venture Capital in 2026 07:24 The Evolution of Irish Venture Capital 16:13 The Impact of AI on Investment 23:00 Advice for Founders in 2026 35:05 Navigating the Exit Environment 42:38 sportsRecreation-intro-high-short.wav
December 4, 2025Episode 3417 min
The Irish VC ep33: FAQ's on EIIS 2025 with BVP Investments
In this conversation, Marie Nolan interviews Stephen Tully, CFO of BVP Investments, to demystify and talk through some frequently asked questions around the Employment Investment Incentive Scheme (EIIS). They discuss the benefits of EIIS, including tax relief for investors, and highlight a successful case study of Astatine, a company that has significantly grown with BVP's support. The conversation also covers BVP's investment strategy, the types of companies they target, and the application process for potential investors. Tune in now, it's a short and snappy one if you want to find out more about this tax relief investment opportunity. The BVP EIIS Fund is open for investment until the 31st December! Check out www.bvp.ie for more information! Chapters 00:00 Introduction to EIS and BVP Investments 01:52 Success Story: Astatine and Its Growth 04:55 Understanding Tax Relief and Investment Risks 09:50 BVP's Investment Strategy and Sector Focus 14:35 Investor Profiles and Application Process 18:29 FAQs and Early Exit Opportunities
October 30, 2025Episode 3232 min
The Irish VC ep32: From Pharma to VC - Insights with Caroline Gaynor of Lightstone VC
In this episode of The Irish VC, Caroline Gaynor (Guest), Partner of Lightstone VC emphasises the importance of building a strong support network for founders, particularly those who are first-time entrepreneurs. Sarah Jane Larkin (Host) & Caroline both highlight the challenges of lacking a track record and the need for guidance from experienced individuals. Additionally, Caroline stresses the often-overlooked necessity of having a well-thought-out fundraising strategy, urging founders to understand the funding landscape and the various players involved. Tune in now! #BVP #TheIrishVC #IVCA #Entrepreneur #VentureCapital
September 26, 2025Episode 3127 min
The Irish VC ep31: With Denise Sidhu, Director & Partner at Kernel Capital
In this episode, Denise Sidhu, Director and Partner at Kernel Capital, shares her journey into venture capital, discussing the lessons learned over her 20-year career. She highlights the current state of the venture capital landscape in Ireland, the challenges faced by startups, particularly in securing funding, and the importance of perseverance and optimism. Denise also advocates for increased support for women in entrepreneurship and offers valuable advice for founders and aspiring investors. Chapters 00:00Denise Sidhu's Journey into Venture Capital 05:39Lessons from 20 Years in Venture Capital 06:07Current State of the Irish Venture Capital Landscape 08:35Exciting Sectors in Irish Venture Capital 12:21Challenges Faced by Irish Founders 19:13Advocating for Women in Entrepreneurship 22:09Advice for Aspiring Founders 24:53Transitioning into Venture Capital 26:52Final Thoughts and Community Support
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